Steve Jobs’ Lessons for Wedding or Party Music
Thanks in advance for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas. I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation. Tell me what you think, and I'll reply. Promise.=========================================================
Steve Jobs taught all of us by example.
I’ve read dozens of tributes to Steve Jobs, and it’s astonishing to learn how his example influenced so many of us in so many different ways.
Although I never met him, Steve Jobs taught me something important about entertaining at a wedding or a party. I’ll describe that in a moment. First, a little background.
In the weeks following his death, all the media were filled with tributes to Jobs. I saw only a tiny fraction, I’m sure. Each one seemed to focus on just a few of his many skills — for example,
- how he understood sales and marketing,
- or how he appreciated the beauty of simplicity,
- or how he got the best out of the people he worked with,
- or his relentless determination to get things right
— as a springboard to considering his all his marvelous accomplishments. He mastered many skills and focused them all sharply on every project he managed.
His amazing charisma created devoted loyalty and admiration. Since the mid 1980s, I’ve been included among the enthusiastic users of Apple’s creations.
What have I learned about a wedding or a party from Steve Jobs and Apple? For me, it’s a sense of balance between technology and aesthetics.
What makes a technical marvel productive, easy, and fun to use? It’s not just the power, but also the elegance, how using it appeals to our senses, and all the ways it delights us.
How it feels, looks, and sounds. What it reminds us of and how it makes us feel.
How does this apply to the Magnolia Jazz Band right now?
That’s easy. I’ve learned to balance our musical technique and how we make people feel. We practice this “balancing” every time we play, improving every day.
Before the celebration, I help people plan their music, and I keep their focus on music they and their guests will enjoy. Our goal is to create the perfect atmosphere with their favorite songs.
Whether I’m entertaining at a wedding or a party, Steve Jobs’ example reminds me to stay sharply aware of not only how well we perform, but also how the guests enjoy the festivities. More than just noticing that they’re having a nice time, I’m careful that the mood we create feels exciting, delightful, and fun for everyone.
Just like we feel whenever we use a Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
Finding this balance of technique and aesthetics helps each of us. How do YOU watch the balance in whatever you do?
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Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
Categories: Celebrating with Music, Planning Party Music